View Full Version : Bathroom wiring
meanrn92
Jan 3, 2013, 07:31 AM
Good mornig all here is another question avout bathroom wiring. I am finishing a roughed in basement bathroom. I would like to have a exhaust fan light that the light and fan operate separate, two lights and two outlets. I understand the GFIC needs its own 20amp breaker can everything else be powered off this same circuit? If so where do I begin? I have just enough electrical knowledge to get in trouble(according to my wife).
Stratmando
Jan 3, 2013, 07:54 AM
I would use all #12 wire, 1 circuit, and NOT have the Lights or Fan GFI protected.
hfcarson
Jan 3, 2013, 09:19 AM
Although not code required, putting the GFI receptacle by itself on a 20 ampere, #12 circuit, allows use of large hair dryers, (like the one my wife has). The rest of the lights, fans, etc. can usually be connected to an existing nearby lighting circuit. This would prevent the lights from going out if the GFI ever tripped...
(there are a few code sections regarding restroom receptacles, 210.52(D),406.9(C), 210.11(C)(3) and 210.23(A)(2))
meanrn92
Jan 3, 2013, 10:52 AM
Thank you for the quick reply. How would go about doing this?
hkstroud
Jan 3, 2013, 01:13 PM
Think the wife may be right.
What about vanity light?
If you are going to run two new circuits run 12/3 cable from panel to 2 gang switch box, or 3 gang box if you are going to have vanity lights. Run 12/3 cable from switch box to combination fan/light, run 12/2 cable from switch box to vanity light box if you are going to have vanity lights. Run 12/2 from switch box to first receptacle box, run 12/2 from first receptacle to second receptacle box.
If you are going to use existing lighting circuit for light and fan, run 2-wire cable the same size as the cable in the lighting circuit to switch box. Run 3-wire cable from switch box to combination fan/light. Run 2-wire cable to vanity light. Run 12/2 cable from panel to first receptacle, run 12/2 cable from first receptacle to second receptacle box.
If you need a diagram tell me how you want to do it.
donf
Jan 4, 2013, 01:52 PM
Okay,
Two very slight corrections.
1) Any receptacle within 6' of a sink must be protected by a GFCI receptacle. This is to keep anyone from getting dead! No alternitive! Also, it is required that the receptacle circuit be 20 amp and that it be GFCI protected.
2) I would not install two 20 amp circuits. I would install the 20 amp (12/2 AWG conductord) GFCI receptacle for use with the hair dryers and such.
Instead of a second 20 amp circuit I would use 15 amp (14/2 AWG) conductors for this circuit.
P.S. Make sure you get a permit and have the work inspected. You are adding two circuits to your main service panel, better safe than sorry!